Did you know that I now have a Free 24 Course Program. Months of preparation to get this video series has paid off. It took 2.5 months for the entire program to be uploaded onto my YouTube Channel and finally the entire series is up and going. I’m not surprised that it was well received, but I was really surprised to learn that the combined views totaled over100,000 views by the time the last video was launched.

You can see all videos in order right now and begin your program immediately.

This program was designed for Curtzy Crochet Hooks from England. The owner and I had worked together for 4 months before the first video rolled out. A Combination of 32 videos is now available and ready. A lot of people have no idea the amount of preparation and editing involved to pull off such a massive program. Over all, I’ve been really happy with it and we have encouraged new crocheters to get on board.

This month he is concentrating on Loom Knitting. He will be showcasing looms by Crafting Essentials and Authentic Sock Knitting; this is a free workshop and there are several throughout the day.

The classes book quickly as Mikey takes only six students at one time. He finds having more than six at one time throws off the learning experience and people don’t learn as much. He prefer students to understand what they are doing by the end of the class instead of just getting a general idea.

There will be discount sales going on during this event. There is also desserts and coffee being served throughout the day. Store opens at 10 am and coming early ensures you can get coffee and dessert before they run out.

The show we are doing, “Coffee Talk”, is from noon – 1pm. This means Mikey is taking a break from teaching. He’s going to have a lunch break where anyone is invited to join; bring your lunch and sit with Mikey and gossip about creativity with him. Limited seating and space. Just show up, the store is not booking for this added experience.

Try this loom knitted scarf by Mikey called the Crystal Scarf. People are loving this quick little project and looking all fabulous with their scarves when they are done.

Meeting The Crochet Dude, Drew Emborsky, has been one of the best highlights of my professional career as Mikey from The Crochet Crowd. I might be like you where when you see a celebrity you freak out and say the dumbest things. You realize you are tripping and then you bury yourself further to make yourself like a lunatic. Now that I painted that real image of what I was like, you can imagine poor Drew putting up with me.

Despite my initial introduction of being all nuts and crazy, Drew really took it in stride and was so kind. I have met other celebrities who stink of attitude but Drew was so polite, genuine and a guy that I would love to have in a crochet circle. The video that is attached below is Drew and I speaking for the first time about crochet. Though we had met earlier in the day, we left the crochet talk for this interview so that the conversation was new information being shared between each other.

The highlight of this video is that him and I are just talking about the love of our chosen career paths. We are both celebrities in our own realm and come at crochet from a different vantage point. This video, which I must admit was a pure accident… but genius move, truly is a real conversation between crochet artists. Watching this video is like ease dropping behind the scenes of the Crochet world from a teaching point of view.

To keep this video genuine, I barely clipped anything out because we were catching him signing autographs for his brand new book called Use Up That Yarn! being published by Lesiure Arts. Look for it on Amazon or your near pattern book retailer.

The Crochet Dude (Drew Emborsky) and The Crochet Crowd (Michael Sellick) together sharing the love of crochet together.

Join Mikey Live On December 3rd, 2011 at Bernat’s Factory Outlet (Spinrite) in Listowel Ontario.

Bernat’s Live Event

12 Crochet Gifts of Christmas Feature

Mikey’s back at Bernat (Spinrite Factory Outlet) on December 3rd, 2011 between 10 am – 3 pm. This is when Mikey will be hook’n up a storm and creating a fun atmosphere. We laugh, share and connect with others who are totally into the fibre arts.

This time, bring your size J or 6.0 MM crochet hook or you can buy one at the store if you forget. We are going to be playing with a quick project idea that you can make for yourself or even better, whip it up for a loved one for a Christmas gift! I’ve never taught crochet at Bernat and this will be my first opportunity. You can either watch and learn or buy a ball of yarn and begin immediately with me.

Bernat has released Zoey Yarn Line. My admiration to the designers of Bernat for pushing limits and pushing yarns out of the perception that the fibre arts is an “Old Lady” hobby. The new yarn line is big, bold and beautiful.

Zoey is a huge version of Pom Pom yarn, manufactured in the latest trending colours which turns this complete yarn line into a modern trend winner. The color you see posted here is not only what you see, there’s some minimal gold glitter yarn with the pom poms which gives this a shimmering look. Not only will your friends think you are a super star with the shimmering effects, but the yarn will also bring attention because of the light reflecting on the gold shimmering yarn.

Bernat has recently launched a new website that is featuring written tutorials and video tutorials for this new yarn line. Check out the KnitorKnot Website by Bernat.

With this product you can knit, crochet, macrame and even tie knots. Even some nautical knots could be interesting with this particular design.

This was originally designed for my Christmas Tree. You can tell because it has a built in hole in the centre for the artificial tree. I think it could be for multiple uses so I think it’s possible to have another name for this.

This was constructed with Bernat Mosaic Yarn. You can find the written pattern on my website.

Using this blog entry, make your comments below for what you believe the appropriate name will be. The winner will be chosen based on uniqueness and originality. Please keep in mind that tutorial names should be short, sweet and to the point.

“How to Crochet …. (fill this space in)”

The final decision will take place on November 15th, 2011. The video on YouTube will be renamed to match. I will also make a mention in the description of the video of the winner who suggested the new title.

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a non-toxic man-made sculpting material which can stay pliable until cured at a relatively low temperature. It is also made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Essentially is like plasticine for artists. Virtually every shape is achieveable using your hands and anything you can get your hands on.

Color mixing is very important as if you mix it too much, you may loose the design completely. It’s one of those artistic creations where you need to know where to stop.

What is the attraction to Polymer Clay?

Polymer Art is a vision of my own expression.

It’s like feeling your brain explode full of knowledge and something so vibrant and up lifting can come to life right in front of you.

You can keep fixing and moulding until you get what you want. It’s a forgivable art form before baking it.

I have always been a creative person and I think on new ideas and how to put those ideas into a form of art.

Once you feel the clay between your hands its like magic. It’s almost as if the clay speaks to you and lets you know what it wants you to do.

Underestimated art form?

I’m not sure really what it is, or why some people look at polymer art and never give it a second glance. Is it because it’s handmade? or maybe they don’t really know what it is.

Non creative people hear clay and think “Oh that’s easy to do!”. Not keeping in mind all the tools and product I have invested in.

Clearly, Polymer clay has the power to push limits and really shock people. The true quest is finding people who appreciate this form of art.

Where do you see Polymer Art?

I myself have seen so many pieces of jewelry, wall art and sculptures.

The internet is filled with great ideas and techniques to be able to follow along.

Some creative ideas, you would have no idea Polymer Clay was used to make something. The artist has pushed the limits and really created a masterpeice.

Laurie Mueller, Polymer Artist, designed The Crochet Crowd’s badges that people wear at shows.

Tips

The most important thing to remember about working with polymer clay and making your very own Polymer Clay Art, is that all you really need is a piece of clay, your own two hands, and an oven to bake it in.

It’s inexpensive, easy to work with, and you can create anything your heart desires.

It’s one of the few hobbies where there is not a lot of upfront costs associated to it.

Try your hands at Polymer art… it may make you feel like a kid again and you can create stuff like jewelry pieces and much more with your own two hands.

Written by Laurie Mueller – Polymer Artist for Mikey at The Crafting Crowd.

The Brand New Infinity II Loom by D.A. Looms has just been released for sale.

It’s hot off the presses. D.A. Looms (Short for Decor Accents Looms) has just released the brand new Infinity II Loom. The product has undergone a major product design. Only the pegs are moulded, everything else including the plastic support bases are hand cut with precision.

We have seen other ‘S’ Shaped looms on the market, so what makes this one better than the rest?

High Grade Plastic. The base of the loom is a solid 1/2″ thick. It has little flexing.

You can see by the picture that the base exceeds well past where the pegs are fitted into their holes for extra support.

Upon showing this to consumers in person, people are blown away by the weight of this product.

This not a toy and the quality speaks that loudly.

The biggest difference is the ‘S’ Shape in comparison to others on the market. The ‘S’ shape is consistent and round. You will not have any difficulties accessing any pegs.

A design change as moving the pegs out from where they come together at the ends. It was too close before.

The pegs are Nylon. For those who use Serenity, you will know your yarn used to grab onto the plastic and be tough to manipulate. The nylon is so amazing that the yarn easily slides up and down with very little friction. This is an added bonus because it allows your knitting to not tightened up to the point where you are bending hooks or breaking pegs.

The price point of these looms are excellent.

Order your D.A. Looms Infinity II Loom at http://www.Dalooms.com There are also affiliate programs for those who wish to sell these and other assorted looms D.A. Looms has. Each loom is hand crafted to perfection. Usage of these looms will be added to The Crochet Crowd’s YouTube Video Line Up, absolutely free of course.

AllFreeKnitting.com will be giving one of these looms away in the near future. Stay tuned for further details.

Michael Sellick, video host for http://www.AllFreeCrochet.com and http://TheCrochetCrowd.com , and The Crochet Crowd brought to life Hooker Alley at Creativ! Michael is a Canadian Crochet and Loom Knitting Guru.

He was invited to Creativ Festival in Mississauga, Ontario to inspire enthusiastic crafters on April 15 – 16th, 2011. The purpose is to engage members of his massive audience on YouTube live at the Festival. Make new connections with more viewers and see trend setting ideas at the festival.

Mikey and crew were swamped from the minute the doors opened to closing. The volunteers change from show to show depending who is available. Names from the Left Back, Mikey, Laurie, Lindsay, Colleen, Diva Dan, and front Left was Charlene and Veronica.

Mikey’s area was a partial resting area near food concessions where people could sit on the cozy benches and watch partial tutorials in motion. Many got up and eventually made their ways to the interactive tables where people could try loom knitting for the very time. For many, it reminded them of spool knitting or corking. If Mikey had a dime every time he heard that, he would have been a rich man.

About 20,000 people walked through the show for the 2 day spring event. Mikey also revealed a new to the market product for loomers. Starting May 1st, 2011 a new product will be available but we don’t let the cat out of the bag just yet. The product was a hit and sold out fast! Mikey will have this product again by his next show at the Ontario Fibre Week on May 13th – May 15th in Ancaster Ontario Canada.

Full Project Tutorials

Did you know that I now have a Free 24 Course Program. Months of preparation to get this video series has paid off. It took 2.5 months for the entire program to be uploaded onto my YouTube Channel and finally the entire series is up and going. I’m not surprised that it was well received, but […]